I'd just like to mention something

[HEyHEY]

I hope what I'm about to write doesn't seem contrived. My apologies if it comes across that way. I'm still in the unaffected world and surely have no real grasp of the seriousness, both emotionally and physically, your country is going through. However, I just wanted to say;

Everyone I know has been completely in awe of the stoic British response to Thursday's attack. People I've spoken to look to the British people with admiration. And I'm not speaking about the addresses from officials and the Queen. The interviews with people on the streets of London, especially victims, have been impressive. I recall a gentleman calmly noting to a reporter, "They can do this tomorrow and the day after, it's still a beautiful day. And I'm here with my friends."

Another photo that got me was a gentleman still holding his transit transfer ticket with a bandage wrapped around his head. Just like WW2, it was business as usual. It may sound like bravado, but even if the people of London are faking it (which I don't think they are), the message sent has been clear.

I'd like to add, just so you know, as sad as Canadians were after Sept. 11th. It wasn't the same kind of sorrow. People I've conversed with have said the same thing. We are friends with the U.S. But, England has a special place in the hearts of Canadians (Even when I was a kid in the 80s we sang "God save the Queen at school," and pics of the Queen are still hanging in most schools and every court.)

Personally I think most Canadians still feel the connection to Britain that dates back to the Dominion. Because of this, the attacks seemed to hit closer to home. As well, the amount of British born Canadians adds to it. I must say I am proud to be associated with the British people today. I hope, god forbid, should an attack happen in my country, we can take a page from the British and get on with it as the bastards try to figure out why they didn't drag us down.

[iconoclastic cat]

1. I think a lot of Americans forget the anything anywhere else has blown up.

Rent "Bloody Sunday," fundies!

[HEyHEY]

2. I wasn't going to say anything

But the coverage of this on US news stations was insulting. It was all about "what happened in the U.S. after London."


You're right though, I bet most Americans have no idea that the FLQ campaign in the 60s/70s saw around 50 bombs ignited in Montreal. As well as kidnappings and murders. Not top mention martial law fo rone month.

[iconoclastic cat]

4. People in this country are taught to be self-centered.

It's seen as strength.

[frankly_fedup2]

14. You're absolutely right about that. I never knew Canada had

been attacked by anybody in the last Century. I remember hearing that Canada had some Naval warships one time and was totally blown away. I didn't even know Canada had any military. I thought the U.S. military would take care of Canada. I sincerely apologize for my ignorance. I'm sure not every American is as uneducated as me so please do not think that we all are stupid, but I'm sure I'm not the only one.

I will try to educate myself better before I open my mouth again. I love history (mostly ancient history though), and in our schools, (in the 70s when I attended) I do not remember studying anything but American History. I remember the British and the French involved in our history but that was due to war and the founding fathers fighting for our freedoms. (Those freedoms are seeming to disappear more and more everyday too).

As far as the news coverage, it really does not surprise me. I mostly read foreign news online to find out what is really going on in the U.S. Free press, no censorship my ass.

[wake.up.america]

3. What??!!!! America is not the Center of the Universe?

What??!!

America is not the only country in the world, which loves its children?

America is not the only country in the world, which has people who treasure freedom?

America is not the only country in the world, which has people who believe in Democracy?

Sometimes I get so tired of hearing Americans behave as if their (WASPS) little children are the only kids who should get 3 square meals a day.

What about the poor little Asian, African, Arab children etc. kids?

We are in this together people!!!!

[iconoclastic cat]

5. Nope. The children are our future.

The present belongs to us!

[HEyHEY]

6. To quote a DUer

"Africa? Good god man, we have caucasins under attack!"

[frankly_fedup2]

15. You have GOT to be kidding me! Someone actually posted

that here? Well, goes to show that even we Dems are as stupid sometimes as the freeper creepers. Geez what a stupid statement.

[HEyHEY]

19. They meant it with sarcasm

[eleny]

7. Well said!

Tonght I was awed by a BBC tv report of a young man looking for a woman in the hospitals. I don't know what their relation. He was going to all the hospitals and couldn't find her. He was so matter of fact, full of purpose and quite stoic. It's made me stop and think and wonder about a culture that's so old and has gone through so much. They just keep moving, doing and being. And I've thought about that young gentle man a lot tonight.

[HEyHEY]

8. I saw a couple of those tonight

Event he parents of a missing young man did not shed one tear. I was choking them back on the couch 8,000 km away.

[mr blur]

16. It was his sister

[frankly_fedup2]

9. (sorry post is so long. I get carried away sometimes !

hope this does not come out bad as I do not mean it to demean the loss of innocent life in the UK and the terrible tragedy that has happened there. A terrorist attack of any kind on people just trying to go to work, take their kids to school, etc., that takes one person's life is a tragedy and a horrible, horrible thing.

However, I think the Israelis are the people who have had the worst of this and go right back to their life as normal and as quickly as possible and should be admired for their unbelievable strength in living their lives as normal as possible with the chaos.

We're all human beings and we all do fear the unthinkable happening again. However, you have to consider the magnitued of 9/11. To me, when that second plane crashed and then the buildings fell, it was like watching some kind of a horror show. But I believe the American People went on the next day and were not stopped by the terrorist. Of course, due to the rescue efforts over the next couple of days, the carnage, and the inability to allow people near the site, that is the reason why that area was shut down. Thousands of people were missing and people were desperate to find out anything about their loved ones. I'm glad the Britts jumped right back into their daily living; however, were the ones on the street speaking involved in any of the explosions? I have to admit one elderly gentleman put it straight out there saying, "They can do it to us again tomorrow, and we will continue on. We're British and nothing stops us." He sounded like a WWII vet talking.

What's that phrase people use about the Brittish about keeping a "stiff upper lip." The day of the bombings though and the way the people were scurrying out of the subway (I could never ride in one of those in the U.S. or anywhere), was Deja vu'. They had the same look on their faces with the shock on their faces and fear of the unknown.

They reported on the news today that everything was up and running as per usual in London today; however, there were less people using city transportation, and I don't blame them one bit.

9/11, 3/11, and now 7/7 are all attacks in countries that are so foreign to such things (well, we use to be), and that is my point (somewhat).

These types of attacks have gone on in Israel constantly, and yet we do not give them the same kind of reverance. I'd say it is because they have had so many bombings, I believe every year and almost every day of any month, if you look back in history, Israel probably had a suicide bomber who killed so many people in some year on that day. We seem to have become numb to their plight, I suppose, because they have it happen so much.

Does anyone understand what I'm trying to point out here?

One death is to many, anywhere in the World, due to some extremist terrorist group who has no respect of human life, not even their own when they are willing to blow themselves up; however, until 9/11, 3/11, and 7/7, we had never had any attacks to "this scale" before, on our own soil. Possibly that is why our attacks come across as more tragic (in our own eyes) then a nation that has went through periods of these bombings on a daily basis at times.

I believe that's why these three attacks are given a special reverance, IMHO.

Am I wrong here . . .honestly?

Also, anymore all we in the U.S. hear is how much Canadians can't stand Americans, and that their loyalties are with France and Europe. Have you heard this type of sentiment as well?

One more thing too. God forbid (like you said) that Canada has an attack and innocent lives are lost. However, if (I have to say God forbid again) there is a terrorist attack, what country do you think will be the first there to help with aid, food, medicine, etc? I know Britain and France will definitely be on board; however, the U.S. is always the first to help. Don't you agree?

(Of course, for some reason all the countries of the world, including the U.S. are totally ignoring the mass genocide that gas occurred in Rawanda and now the Congo. Five-month-old baby girls are being raped and ripped open by men with AIDs because of lack of education and their belief that a virgin will cure them. Ohhhhhh, that's right, they don't have much oil; however, people like Pat Robertson own diamond mines that use slave labor (literally slaves - no pay), and if they are caught stealing, their hand is cut off -- including small children. However, no one ever seems to talk about the resources we are raping from Africa.)

I love my Country just as much as you obviously love yours. However, we have a whacko, arrogant, mouthy (Remember, "BRING IT ON?"), anal, power hungry, spoiled, (did I say stupid yet?), pretzel eater that still wrecks his bike supposedly running this country . . . straight into the ground.

Our reputation around the World is embarrassing. However, for some reason, people still are coming here by the droves, hoping to win a lottery to be able to stay. I kind of believe the World knows the American People are not represented very well by the POTUS.

Posted by another long-winded American. At least I'm honest.

If you really want to see how arrogant some on the right are, you need to read up about PNAC (if you haven't already). Hey, they put it out there regarding World domination by America and the way a government "should be" run. I think it's www.newamericancentury.org Go have a good laugh.

[bennywhale]

12. I agree entirely about the lack of focus on

Africa etc, although i think there is a lot more over here in Britain. There is actually quite a lot at times, but it is misinformed. The tragedy of Dafur is an example. people are dying there now today.

However your point about this sort of thing not happening in Britain so its more of a shock is wrong. The IRA waged a 30 year campaign. Bombings included pubs, trains, shopping streets etc. And although none quite reached this scale (although some went a fair way RE: Birmingham bull ring 29 killed) bombs have been a depressingly regular occurence of London's history. (more recently there were racist bombs going off in pubs and streets by some lone nutter) Not to mention the 40s where tens of thousands were killed.

Also about Israel. I accept they get on with their lives admirably, however this does not translate into stoicism, reflection or rational calmness that is the British trait. The Israeli government will invariably launch emotionally motivated strikes instantly following such terrorist attacks continuing the cycle of innocents being killed.

But i accep some of your points.

[frankly_fedup2]

13. I remember watching on the news when I was younger about

the IRA bombings so you have educated me on that one and I appreciate it. I'd rather someone correct me regarding a statement I made rather then call me names and just disregard my opinion at all. Sometimes that happens here at DU. I think those are the "Deleted Posts" mostly (lol). What stopped those bombings? Is the UK sure that the IRA is not involved in someway here?

You are also right about Israel and their emotionally-motivated attacks on the Palestinians. They must get that from us. Or let's say the U.S.'s government. You remember Bush right after 9/11 with the bullhorn and his threats? I have to admit, I wanted those responsible to pay for what they did. However, it was my rage and emotions at the time. Now that I have seen what the Bush Administration has done and continues to do, it sickens me and I cannot believe that this man was put in office for a second term.

Of course, a lot of the American People believe our government was involved in 9/11. How awful is that? Too many strange coincidences that day. Everything that was in place to protect the people of this country failed???? EVERYTHING? Air traffic controllers watched planes turn and head toward New York for over 40 minutes and did nothing???? Also, no wreckage at the Pentagon, not even whacking off the top of any trees, lamp posts, but hitting at ground level? Also, hitting the "construction area" only. Boy that was lucky, huh? I'm not a conspiracy nut; however, I have questions myself.

I do not understand though why the Brittish dare to show emotion in public (that "stiff upper lip"). Maybe it is due to WWII and the bombings. Our troops were there and had our support as well as the other allies, but Germany's bombing still caused horrific loss of life as well as almost destroying everything. Still, I don't feel there is any shame in showing ones' emotion after having gone through a traumatic event. Also, because one can keep their emotions intact, does that make them more brave then someone who cannot? Maybe it's because I am American that I just do not understand, or I am misunderstanding your point. I, personally, cried when I got up that morning and saw what had happened in London. Seeing those poor people and listening to their stories of being in that subway. However, I have noticed a difference in the way the media is reporting the story compared to the way the U.S. media covered 9/11. They kept going to every funeral, we would hear of more and more remains, it was almost never ending. It's like the millions of dollars that were raised that went to the victim's families. I think the same should be done for our troops. Also, the previous victims of terrorist attacks . . . where is the help for their families??? Capitalism and our capitalistic society has no fairness to the people of this country. There are the haves and have nots and they are always the same people.

My dad is a vet of WWII and I took him to the D-Day memorial ceremony when they opened it in Bedford, Virginia. I was 42 at that time, and until I went to that memorial and read about it all, I had no idea what D-Day was all about. All the allie flags are up surrounding the memorial everyday. We all beat them only because we had so many men coming after them, wave after wave of bodies falling, and more men continuing to move up those beaches. Over 9,000 men died on those beaches that day. I have seen the burial site of those that are buried in France, and nothing against France; however, I wish the Americans buried there were brought back to their homeland. Of course, it's the families choice and probably it would be the families paying for it.

Here I go again my friend. Once I get started I cannot stop. I think that is why most of the time when I post a topic OR if I comment on one, I usually kill anymore people responding. Just like this one. Sorry.

[muriel_volestrangler]

18. I don't think anyone in Britain thinks the IRA is involved

The 'main' IRA (aka the Provisional IRA - there was a split around the beginning of 'The Troubles' in the late 60s as to whether they should use terrorism or not) is on a ceasefire, and has been for a long time. They still appear involved in crime in Northern Ireland (robbery, extortion), but they have not carried out terrorist attacks since the Good Friday Agreement. With Sinn Fein standing a chance of electoral power, they wouldn't do something to jeopardize it now (and they realise Sinn Fein has got a lot more votes since the ceasefire). The splinter groups (Real IRA etc.) haven't done much in the past couple of years either - it's thought they've been thoroughly infiltrated by the security services (possibly with the help of Provisional IRA members, who know that any Republican bombings will hurt Sinn Fein). And it's always been clear that a Republican group has done a bombing - they have a specific objective (unification of Ireland), and it does them no good to have their acts attributed to someone else, so they claim it, if there's any doubt (bombs in Northern Ireland itself are assumed to be Republican, unless they happen in a nationalist district).

In some ways, the British reaction to bombs is the same as American reaction to street shootings - when enough of them have happened, you treat it as something to be endured. When someone is shot in the street here, it's much bigger news than in the USA.

The 'stiff upper lip' dates back far beyond WW2. I think it's a 'northern European protestant' thing - just as church services are far less demonstrative that in Mediterranean countries. You can find similar attitudes in Scandinavia and Germany too. There's a gradual loosening of it - we surprised ourselves with the reaction to Diana's death. Trite though this may sound, I think the enormous success of 'Big Brother' (the TV programme) shows the British are getting more interested in public displays of emotion too.

[HEyHEY]

20. ....

"Both your mother and I are getting fed up of the attitude we get from all you kids. It makes us not want to help any of you in any way."

Why would we need aid? We're a first world nation.

People in Canada are against government, not anti- american. So tell anyone feeding you that line they are full of it.
After 911 there was thousands of people on Parlaiment hill in Ottawa to mourn the dead. As well I took a bus across Quebec the day after, and there were US flags all over the place. I promise you the average QUebecor doesn't just have a US flag lying around, they had to go out and buy them.

[mr blur]

10. Your words are appreciated

I'm proud of the way my fellow Brits are not going along with the RW rabid reaction and calling hysterically for retaliations in Iraq. People are angry but not stupid.

[non sociopath skin]

11. Is it fair to say - I seek merely for opinions - that the US has been ...

... the only country subject to attack which has reacted with even greater violence?

The Skin

[frankly_fedup2]

17. I would agree with that as far as what has happened since the

9/11 attack.

However, I have always felt that whenever any other country is in trouble, we have always been the first to offer to go there with help, aid, and militarily as well, but only if we are asked to.

Well, I do have to correct myself somewhat. For some reason the American Government does not believe in helping the African people because they are savages anyway and why should American's fight for savages. No matter the rapes, murders, torture; however, the government will try to send aid as far as food and medicine. But it's not nearly as much as we would ever do for any other nation and I honestly believe it is because it is the BLACK Africans that are suffering the most in the Congo and we allowed, stood by and watched, over a million people murdered in Rwanda and we still do nothing.

We continue to send the Palestinians (which are Arabs from Egypt and Jordan, but for some reason they call themselves "Palestinians" (IMHO) over 200 million dollars a year. They are known terrorists. Yassar Arafat himself tried to murder King Hussein of Jordan and he was exiled from the Country as well as participated if not masterminded the death of the Jewish athletes in the Olympics in Munich Germany on what is now called, "Black Sunday;" however, I think all of that money went to Yassar Arafat and his French wife while he was alive. I remember when he died, the new Palestinian leaders were accused (by Arafat's wife who has ALWAYS lived in Paris) of trying to murder her husband. Suddenly, after Arafat passes away, this woman is promised
2 million dollars a MONTH to live on. So she can only survive on 48 million a year while more of Arafat's people live in squalor. That is a sickening example of how our government looks the other way when it comes to our tax money being spent. I never heard any congressman address this issue. I do not even remember if the press asked any of them regarding this as well.

Oh and God forbid an American Family fall on hard times due to illness and/or death and/or loss of jobs and needing some assistance. Even our military families receive food stamps due to the soldier on active duty, the ones that really put their lives' on the line. I believe our government carries a $12,000.00 life insurance policy on each soldier and the family gets that if their loved one dies in action. That is welfare and if someone is getting welfare, in this country they are just to lazy to work and have baby after baby so their welfare increases. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think a young woman with one child MAY get $180 a month ADC to live on. If she has another child, she does not get another $180 a month assistance (per Limpballs who claims these women live well, especially with the more children they have). She will get like $50 more a month. Honestly, I think my figures are right. One of my best friends is a social worker and she says it is pathetic what little our government allows for this country's social services. I believe our Social Services, state by state, averages around 2% of the whole budget. The children will get Medicaid for health care and they may get subsidized housing. But if they own anything worth over $2000.00 they would not get any assistance. Also, due to welfare reform, they will only get this assistance for up to two years, and by that time, they should have been able to get a better paying job, or have gone to college through a Pell grant (no cost to the student) to lift them out of the poverty level.

A husband and wife can both be working full-time jobs, but at minimum wage without benefits. Even with them both working, they are still under the poverty level in this Country. However, Yassar Arafat's wife gets 2 million dollars a month of American's money and that is ignored.

See, I got off track again and totally posted to much. Sorry. I won't interrupt your postings anymore. I just get passionate about some things and cannot shut up. :rant: :patriot:

[Anarcho-Socialist]

21. Thank you for your awesome post, HEyHEY

Canada was the first country to come to Britain's aid in both world wars, when we were fighting for survival. Canada has again shown geniune kindness to London and the U.K. due to the bombings and we appreciate you.

There is that special Commonwealth connection that Britons, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders share.